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Distracted, Drowsy and Aggressive Driving Driver Services

Distracted Driving

Illinois law prohibits the use of hand-held cellphones, texting or using other electronic communications while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free devices or Blue Tooth technology is allowed for persons age 19 and older.

Even using hands-free technology is considered a distraction while driving and can be dangerous. If you must make a phone call, even with hands-free technology, it is recommended that you pull off to the side of the road before making the call.

The only time Illinois drivers can use a cell phone that is not hands free is:

To report an emergency situation.

While parked on the shoulder of a roadway.

While stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.

Drivers who are in a crash resulting from distracted driving may face criminal penalties and incarceration.

Drowsy Driving

Lack of sleep, fatigue or inattentiveness affects your ability to safely operate your vehicle. Make sure you are properly rested when taking a long trip, avoid drowsiness by stopping frequently. Exercise your eyes by reading road signs or shifting the focus of your eyes to different parts of the roadway.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving is the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property. Persons doing any of the following may be committing acts of aggressive driving and pose risk of a crash:

Speeding

Running red lights and stop signs

Tailgating

Passing on the shoulder of the road

Cutting off another vehicle

Slamming on brakes in front of a tailgater

Improper hand or facial gestures at other drivers

Yelling

Repeatedly honking the horn

Repeatedly flashing the headlights

Avoid aggressive drivers and potentially dangerous situations. If you encounter an angry or aggressive motorist:

Do not retaliate or in any way engage the other driver. Get out of the way.

Do not make eye contact.

Keep your doors locked and your windows up.

Keep enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you to pull out from behind.